Variable Hour Arborist Assistant

Oregon Metro•Blue Lake Regional Park, OR

7d•Onsite

About The Position

This recruitment will be used to fill one (1) to two (2) variable hour positions, which are limited to 1040 hours of work in the fiscal year. The individual(s) selected for this role will work 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. The position is located at Blue Lake Regional Park, but will involve work across the region at various parks and cemeteries. Metro is seeking a variable hour Arborist Assistant to collaborate with a Metro certified Arborist on tree care plans and maintenance. Key duties include pruning and trimming for tree health, appearance, and safety, assisting with hazard tree removals and plantings, and ensuring the survival of newly planted trees. The role involves receiving training, assisting with storm cleanup and hazard mitigation, performing monitoring and safety-related activities, pruning with hand tools and power equipment, tending to newly planted trees, assisting with tree removals using chainsaws and rigging, operating and maintaining tools and equipment (chainsaws, pruners, dump trucks, woodchippers), cleaning up debris, and ensuring worksite safety.

Requirements

High School or GED
One year of experience in the tree industry using Arborist related equipment such as chainsaws, chippers, dump trucks and other relevant equipment; OR Any combination of education, professional, volunteer and lived experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the classification duties and responsibilities.
Possession of a valid driver’s license Upon hire
First Aid/CPR Certification, and such other certifications and licenses as may be required Within 6 months of hire
Possess all certifications necessary for safe operation of equipment

Nice To Haves

Experience working on an arborist crew
Any ISA certifications or TRAQ (Tree risk assessment qualification)
Experience in the safe operation of heavy equipment such as tractors, large dump trucks, loading and hauling trailers, chippers etc.
Experience in the safe operation of chainsaws
Experience and understanding of the safety related aspects of arboriculture related work
Pacific Northwest tree identification skills
Experience working in parks or other public areas and an understanding of the dynamics of working in a public space where safety is the top priority

Responsibilities

Receive comprehensive training and supervision for safe and efficient work completion.
Assist park staff and Arborist with storm cleanup and hazard mitigation in parks and cemeteries.
Perform monitoring activities, trails closures and other safety-related activities to ensure the work sites are safe and clear of the public and staff.
Prune and trim trees using precision hand tools and power equipment.
Tend to newly planted trees ensuring proper watering during the heat of the summer.
Assist in the removal of dead, diseased, or hazardous trees, employing chainsaw skills and rigging techniques.
Operate and maintain various tools and equipment essential for tree care and landscaping including chainsaws, pruners, dump trucks, and woodchippers.
Clean up debris and waste generated during tree care activities.
Ensure the work site is left clean and safe for park guests.
Adhere to safety protocols and procedures, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).